Wednesday, August 20, 2008

ECCC To See First Patients

While Cabell Huntington Hospital and the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine have been anxiously awaiting the completion of the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, both entities have been working together to build a team of experts who will be ready for their patients when the doors open in January.

The first patients are scheduled to be seen Monday, January 9 by physicians and staff in the diagnostic breast center, radiation oncology, medical oncology and pediatric oncology departments.

"The center itself contains almost every diagnostic and treatment tool available for comprehensive cancer care," said Doug Lawson, senior vice president, COO for Cabell Huntington Hospital and executive director of the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center. "This includes diagnostic imaging, such as a PET/CT scanner, digital mammography, full CT capabilities and other related imaging modalities."

In addition, the center features state-of-the-art radiation therapy technology, including Image Guided Radiation Therapy and High Dose Rate Brachytherapy. The center also has a unique meditation room to give patients and their families quiet respite during the course of their diagnosis and treatment and a patient education center, which will give patients online access to information about cancer as well as volunteers trained to help them access that information.

Currently on staff are medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, in addition to gynecologic, pediatric and surgical oncology specialists. Supporting the physicians is a broad range of skillfully trained staff and allied health professionals using the most modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.

"A major differentiating factor between our center and other facilities is the connectivity and relationships of the medical staff," Lawson said. "All will be using a common electronic medical record, which will allow each physician to access each patient's information and more easily coordinate the patient's medical care."

For more information or for an appointment, please call (304) 399-6500.